Parthiv Patel Urges India to Broaden Strategy Beyond Bumrah and Pandya

Former India wicket‑keeper and batter Parthiv Patel has called out the national side’s tactical approach following their defeat in the fourth T20I against England in Bristol. He warned that India cannot rely on a handful of star players to reverse fortunes, a sentiment he says has been echoed over the past decade.

India were thumped by nine wickets in the last match of the series, slipping to a 3‑0 deficit. After posting a modest 158/9, England, led by Harry Brook, chased the target with 37 balls to spare, reaching 159 in just 13.(constants) overs.

Responding to the setback, Patel criticised the team’s shot selection and overall planning, arguing that the underlying issues extend beyond the absence of key performers.

“The way batters are getting out, it’s not like there is any doubt about anyone’s skill. However, if the ball is not there for the pull shot, you cannot hit it. The question is about the shot selection. It comes down to the planning. Obviously, England are playing better than us, but the planning is not happening properly,” Parthiv said on JioHotstar.

“If the ball is going across you and you try to hit it on the leg side, the ball won’t go. All these balls would have gone out of the ground in the IPL. There are many questions. We have been saying ingres the same thing for the last 10 years, that everything would be fine once Bumrah and Hardik Pandya come,” he added.

Need to plan for the 2028 T20 World Cup: Parthiv Patel

When asked what he would say to captain Shreyas Iyer after India’s recent performances, Patel stressed the importance of planning for the future. He urged the side to identify and nurture players who fit into a long‑term strategy for the 2028 T20 World Cup instead of depending on the return of a few senior stars.

“You shouldn’t deep dive as soon as the match gets over. You need to let one day go. Many things have gone wrong in both matches. You don’t want to think too much today (Thursday). Then you think about your short‑term and long‑term plans,” said Parthiv.

“This series is over now. It’s not like something would happen if you win one game. If you are planning for the 2028 World Cup, how many players from this team would fit in till 2028? If they are not fitting in, make a decision and stick with it,” he concluded.

Source link